Directional water flow extender

ABSTRACT

A pool and spa plumbing adapter to relocate existing directional water flow plumbing fittings to new positions to accommodate new surfacing overlaid on the existing pool or spa surface. The adaptor provides for a threaded engagement with existing plumbing and has a shoulder portion providing a visual cue for proper rotational translation of the adaptor into the existing plumbing fitting to accommodate the new surface layer. A sealing ring can be provided extending above the shoulder portion to prevent fluid passage between the new surface and the adapter and to prevent rotation of the adaptor.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/789,848 filed Apr. 5, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein disclosed relates to directional water flow jets or inlets for pools, ponds, and spas. More particularly it relates to a device and method for providing an easily employed extension for fixed plumbing engagements for directional water jets or “eyeballs” mounted on the sidewall of a pool or spa. The device allows for re-plastering or surfacing of the swimming pool or spa without the need to damage the old plaster around threadably engaged water jets as is currently done.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional pools, spas, ponds, and similar artificial water holders are conventionally formed by plaster or other cementitious material covering the side and bottom walls defining the pool or spa. Upon initial construction of the pool or spa, earth is excavated to form the appropriate shaped cavity for the pool or spa to occupy. Side and bottom walls are then formed using appropriate reinforcing means, along with plaster which forms the side and bottom wall of the pool or spa.

The plumbing to remove and add water to the pool or spa is engaged at distal ends into the plaster in a permanent fashion substantially flush with or slightly recessed from the plaster surface of the sidewall. To these distal ends are attached the various covers for the drains and the inlets or jets which bring water back into the pool or spa. In the case of spas, some of these inlets or jets are equipped with a user rotatable water fluid flow director which rotates in an engagement with a base fitting. The base fitting is permanently engaged to the pipe or water conduit feeding the jet incoming water under pressure.

In the case of flow directors, a rotatable flow director is engaged in a cavity formed in a flush mount with the plaster and is held into a rotational engagement within the cavity by a threadably engaged locking ring. The center of the body of the rotationally positionable flow director communicates water therethrough which may be aimed by rotating the flow director.

Unfortunately, in conventional construction the flush mounted retaining cavity does not allow for easy re-plastering of the pool or spa. Consequently, owners and contractors are left with little choice but to chip out the old plaster around the pipe engaging the flow director, and install pipe extensions to the existing plumbing. The extensions relocate the engagement cavity for the flow director extended from the old plaster surface. New plaster must then be placed to surround the destroyed material around the engagement cavity fitting increasing cost and potential for leaks at a later date.

Suffice it to say that this requirement to remove the old plaster and to cut or otherwise disturb old plumbing is the cause of extra costs in time and money. Further, the disassembly of old plumbing fixtures can cause leaks or cracks in the plumbing itself which will not be discovered until the new surface has been applied and the pool or spa put back into operation with pressurized water.

As such, there is an ongoing need for an extension adaptor fitting that will allow relocation of the fluid flow director cavity away from the old plaster surface of the pool or spa, without the need to disassemble the existing plumbing pipes and fixtures. Such a device should obviate the need to destroy or damage existing plaster. Such a device should easily engage with a wide variety of such flow director cavities which are employed to house rotationally engaged fluid flow directors. Still further such a device should provide an easily viewed visual cue for the installer to determine the proper installation of the fitting to accommodate the thickness of the new plaster and concurrently position the new flow director substantially flush with the new surface. Additionally, it would also provide more utility if the adapter provides a seal engageable with the new plaster to prevent water leakage and/or to hold the adapter in a fixed sealed engagement with the preexisting plumbing fixtures.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components or steps set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The various apparatus and methods of the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other devices, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the objects and claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further objectives of this invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device herein disclosed and described provides an easily engaged interface and extension fitting that is adapted on a first end with threads. These threads are adapted to engage interior threads on the distal end of existing permanently mounted plumbing which is flush with the old plaster of a pool or spa. The threads of the device extend from an angled sealing edge adjacent to a raised collar portion, to an annular projecting portion having a diameter smaller than the outside of the threads. The projecting portion provides a means to adapt the extension fitting to engage a wide variety of existing threaded pipe installations from different manufacturers all of whom extend the internal threads different distances in the already installed cavity rotationally engaging a flow director.

Also provided on the extension fitting is a raised shoulder portion. This shoulder portion has a defined width of the intended thickness of the new plaster coating being applied to the old plaster forming the sidewall and bottom wall of the pool. It thus provides an easily viewed visual cue to the installer of the distance to thread the extension fitting into the old cavity which was originally installed to rotationally engage the old flow director. In cases where the extension fitting cannot be screwed all the way into the old fitting, a sealing compound or PVC or other cement can be applied to the external threads on the extension fitting that will provide a sealed engagement once the glue or cement cures with the old plastic fitting. In other cases, the extension can be screwed all the way into the old fitting and the beveled edge next to the shoulder portion will provide a water-tight seal with the front edge of the old fitting. The installer simply uses the visual cue provided by distance of the exterior surface of the shoulder to determine how far to screw the extension fitting into the old fitting. Of special utility, the shoulder can be made a variety of widths depending on the thickness of the new surface with ½ inch being a current-favored embodiment. Thus, if local building codes, or material installation requirements dictate a thinner or thicker surface, a component with a different collar width would be employed making it easy for the user to install and accommodate the thickness requirements of the new surface.

On the opposite side of the extension fitting from the threaded first end, an internal cavity is provided that is adapted to rotationally engage the flow director behind a lock ring which has threads adapted to engage with threads formed in the internal cavity. This allows for the repositioning of the flow director at a new position, a distance from its old position, to allow for re-plastering of the pool.

Finally, one or a plurality sealing rings may be provided extending from the circumference of the outside surface of the shoulder portion. These sealing rings would thus extend away from the center axis of the device and project into the surface of the new plaster that surrounds the shoulder upon the re-plastering of the pool or spa. The sealing ring provides a means to seal water from flowing past the extension fitting and plaster engagement once the new plaster is set. It also increases the surface area of the shoulder engaging the new plaster helping to prevent rotation of the extension fitting should glue or adhesive not be employed on the threads.

An object of this invention is to provide a universally engageable flow director extension fitting to eliminate the need to disassemble old pool or spa plumbing during a re-plaster of the surface of the pool or spa.

Another object of this invention is to provide such an extension fitting that also provides a visual cue to the installer of proper mounting of the fitting to accommodate the thickness of the new plaster.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of such an extension fitting that also provides a water seal to prevent water from breaching the gap between the adapter and the new plaster.

Yet another object is the provision of such an extension fitting that comes with a variety of collar thickness dimensions to accommodate different thicknesses of coatings adjacent thereto.

These together with other objects and advantages which become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSOCIATED DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side sliced view of the extension fitting device in exploded view showing a threaded end and the flow director and locking ring.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the exterior of the extension fitting.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the extension fitting showing the internal cavity surrounded by shoulder.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the extension fitting with at least one sealing ring extending from the shoulder portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED DEVICE

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 disclose the preferred embodiments of the extension fitting device 10. As shown in the figures, the device 10 provides an easily engaged extension fitting 12 which is adapted on a first end with threads 14. These threads 14 are sized to engage existing extending threads adjacent to the distal end of the inside wall of the existing permanently flush-mounted plumbing fixture, which holds the existing flow director 16 behind a locking ring 18 in a globular internal cavity of the old fixture. A current preferred thread is 11½ TPI threads which are widely employed.

The threads 14 on the first end extend from a beveled edge 20 at to a rear side of a collar portion 22, to a threadless projecting portion 24 having a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the threads 22. The projecting portion 24 is preferred as experimentation shows it to provide a means to adapt the extension fitting 12 to engage a wide variety of existing threaded pipe installations from different manufacturers since each varies the distance of the internal threads which engage the existing locking ring. When the fitting 12 is fully threaded into position with the beveled edge 20 in a sealed engagement with the front wall (not shown) of an existing fitting, the projecting portion 24 also provides a means to seal the first end of the device against the sidewall forming the existing globe shaped internal cavity holding the existing flow director 16.

As noted, in the preferred embodiment of the device 10 a shoulder portion 22 is provided which has a defined width “W” of a raised annular ring which has a width of the intended thickness of the new plaster coating to be adhered to the old plaster forming the sidewall of the existing pool or spa. The width of the shoulder portion 22, thus provides a means for a visual indicator to the installer of how far to thread the extension fitting 12 into the exiting threads of the existing cavity which rotationally engages the old flow director behind an existing locking ring. This can be done by using a ruler or other measuring device to measure the distance of the intended thickness of the new coating, and screwing the shoulder portion 22 such that the outside edge 23 is the distance of the intended new wall coating. In cases where the extension fitting 12 cannot be screwed all the way into the old fitting to seat the beveled edge 20 which also is a stop, a sealing compound or PVC or other cement can be applied to the external threads 14 on the extension fitting that will provide a fluid sealed engagement. In other cases, where the coating and outside edge 23 will properly align, the extension fitting 12 might be screwed all the way into the old fitting and the beveled edge 20 will provide an additional means for a water-tight seal with the old fitting if glue is used, and a single means for a water-tight installation should plastic cement or glue not be used. The device can be custom manufactured with the width “W” in a variety of sizes to accommodate thicknesses of the new surface. Currently, ½ inch for the width “W” is a favored embodiment.

On the end opposite the threads 14 of the extension fitting 12 is formed an internal cavity 24 communicating with the axial cavity 28 which communicates through the extension fitting 12. The internal cavity 24 is defined by a curved sidewall 25 adapted to rotationally engage the curved surface of the flow director 16. The flow director 16 has an axial passage 17, and is rotationally engaged in the cavity 24 behind a lock ring 18 with a center aperture 19 aligned to communicate with the axial passage 17. Ring threads 26 are formed on a linear section of the internal cavity 24 to engage with cooperating external threads on the locking ring 18 as a means for threaded engagement thereof. Engagement of the locking ring 18 maintains the flow director 16 in a rotational engagement in the internal cavity 18 along two axises and at the proper distance from its old position with the existing plumbing to accommodate the new plaster surface of the pool or spa.

Finally, in another preferred mode of the device 10, one or a plurality of optional sealing rings 28 may be provided. The sealing rings 28 extend outward from the circumference of the shoulder 22 substantially perpendicular to its flat surface. Extending in this manner, once the extension fitting 12 is properly engaged to the existing plumbing, the new plaster or other surfacing is applied and thereby surrounds the shoulder 22 and the sealing ring 28 upon the re-plastering of the pool or spa. The sealing ring 28 thereby provides a means to seal water from flowing between the new plaster surface and the extension fitting 12 once the new plaster is dry. The sealing ring 28 also increases the surface area of the shoulder 22 engaging the new plaster thereby providing means for increased surface engagement to thereby prevent rotation of the extension fitting 12 should glue or adhesive not be employed on the threads 14 in engagement with the old existing plumbing.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While the invention as shown in the drawings and described in detail herein discloses arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present invention, it is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described, may be employed in accordance with the spirit of this invention. Any and all such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.

Further, the purpose of the attached abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 

1. A pool and spa plumbing adapter for existing directional water flow plumbing fittings comprising: an extension fitting having a first end, a second end, and an axial cavity communicating therethrough; said first end having a first threaded portion on its exterior surface, said first threaded portion adapted to engage a threaded interior wall of an existing pipe fitting having an axial fluid conduit therethrough which communicate with an existing wall surface of a pool or spa; said second end having an interior cavity formed communicating with said axial cavity; said interior cavity having a curved interior surface portion adapted for rotational engagement of an exterior surface of a flow director positioned therein; said flow director having an axial passage communicating therethrough; said interior cavity having a linear portion extending between said curved interior surface and said second end; a threaded sidewall formed on said linear portion adapted to engage threads formed on the exterior of a locking ring; said extension fitting having a shoulder portion abutting a leading edge of said second end on a first side of said shoulder portion; said shoulder portion having a planar circumferential outside surface having a width extending away from said leading edge to a second side of said shoulder portion; said width being substantially equal to that of an intended new surface layer to be engaged to said existing surface; and said leading edge and said width providing visual means to determine proper engagement of said extension fitting within said existing pipe fitting before the application of said new surface layer upon said existing surface, to thereby properly locate said flow director adjacent to an exposed surface of said new surface layer, whereafter said flow director may be rotated to direct the flow of fluid exiting said axial passage from said axial cavity.
 2. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 1 additionally comprising: at least one annular sealing ring extending above said planar circumferential outside surface of said shoulder; and said sealing ring providing means to prevent fluid passage between said extension fitting and said new surface layer.
 3. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 2 additionally comprising: said sealing ring providing an increase of a total surface area of contact of said shoulder with said new surface; and said increase of said total surface providing means to enhance engagement of said shoulder with said new surface layer to thereby provide means prevent rotation of said extension fitting and an increased means to prevent fluid passage between said extension fitting and said new surface layer.
 4. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 1 additionally comprising: a beveled portion circumferentially located at said second side of said shoulder portion between said shoulder portion and said threaded portion; and said beveled portion providing means for sealing when seated against said existing pipe fitting thereby preventing fluid leaks from said existing pipe fitting past said beveled portion when so seated.
 5. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 2 additionally comprising: a beveled portion circumferentially located at said second side of said shoulder portion between said shoulder portion and said threaded portion; and said beveled portion providing means for sealing when seated against said existing pipe fitting thereby preventing fluid leaks from said existing pipe fitting past said beveled portion when so seated.
 6. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 3 additionally comprising: a beveled portion circumferentially located at said second side of said shoulder portion between said shoulder portion and said threaded portion; and said beveled portion providing means for sealing when seated against said existing pipe fitting thereby preventing fluid leaks from said existing pipe fitting past said beveled portion when so seated.
 7. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 1 additionally comprising: a threadless projecting portion extending to a distal edge of said first end; said projecting portion having a diameter, said diameter being less than an outside diameter of said first threaded portion; and said projecting portion providing a means to guide said first threaded portion into engagement with said threaded interior.
 8. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 2 additionally comprising: a threadless projecting portion extending to a distal edge of said first end; said projecting portion having a diameter, said diameter being less than an outside diameter of said first threaded portion; and said projecting portion providing a means to guide said first threaded portion into engagement with said threaded interior.
 9. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 3 additionally comprising: a threadless projecting portion extending to a distal edge of said first end; said projecting portion having a diameter, said diameter being less than an outside diameter of said first threaded portion; and said projecting portion providing a means to guide said first threaded portion into engagement with said threaded interior.
 10. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 4 additionally comprising: a threadless projecting portion extending to a distal edge of said first end; said projecting portion having a diameter, said diameter being less than an outside diameter of said first threaded portion; and said projecting portion providing a means to guide said first threaded portion into engagement with said threaded interior.
 11. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 5 additionally comprising: a threadless projecting portion extending to a distal edge of said first end; said projecting portion having a diameter, said diameter being less than an outside diameter of said first threaded portion; and said projecting portion providing a means to guide said first threaded portion into engagement with said threaded interior.
 12. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 7 additionally comprising: said threadless portion having a length placing said distal edge in a contact with a portion of said interior wall of said existing pipe fitting; and said contact providing a means for sealed engagement of said axial cavity at said first end of said first end with said axial fluid conduit.
 13. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 8 additionally comprising: said threadless portion having a length placing said distal edge in a contact with a portion of said interior wall of said existing pipe fitting; and said contact providing a means for sealed engagement of said axial cavity at said first end of said first end with said axial fluid conduit.
 14. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 9 additionally comprising: said threadless portion having a length placing said distal edge in a contact with a portion of said interior wall of said existing pipe fitting; and said contact providing a means for sealed engagement of said axial cavity at said first end of said first end with said axial fluid conduit.
 15. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 10 additionally comprising: said threadless portion having a length placing said distal edge in a contact with a portion of said interior wall of said existing pipe fitting; and said contact providing a means for sealed engagement of said axial cavity at said first end of said first end with said axial fluid conduit.
 16. The pool and spa plumbing adapter of claim 11 additionally comprising: said threadless portion having a length placing said distal edge in a contact with a portion of said interior wall of said existing pipe fitting; and said contact providing a means for sealed engagement of said axial cavity at said first end of said first end with said axial fluid conduit. 